When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0803

“At Infinity Lab, you’ll have your own workspace, the freedom to propose your own projects, and even the chance to slowly build your research team,” Miranda explained.

but to

“I’m inviting you, not to change your research focus or adapt your goals to fit ours, offer you a better environment and more resources to pursue your academic journey further and broader.”

She paused briefly before continuing, “Of course, I’m not a saint. I don’t provide all this without expecting something in return.‘

There it was. Joli’s biggest concern–the reason for his hesitation. His eyes locked onto hers, sharp and probing, as if trying to see into the depths of her intentions. “What do you want from me?”

“If you agree to join, your research will still be yours, but it will carry the name of Infinity Lab. That’s the trade–reputation and benefit.

A comprehensive lab like Infinity Lab, if it aimed to grow, gain recognition, and establish itself in the global scientific community, must deliver academic output. Both quantity and quality–impact factors, citations, and contributions–all matter.

“Secondly,” she continued, “you’re right–your research focus is different from ours. But that’s precisely the opportunity for Infinity Lab to transition from a single–discipline lab to a multidisciplinary one.

“It’s a mutual choice. You need resources to continue your work, and the lab needs you to enrich its scope and expand its influence.

“Finally, and most importantly,” Miranda said, her gaze unwavering, “one of your papers ends with a quote in the acknowledgments section. It reads, ‘What matters is not what you have, but what you achieve with it.‘

“I have a lab, and I have resources. If I hoard them, they’re nothing more than a cold, empty building and a source of personal pride. But if I share them with you, they can yield papers, glory, success—even technological breakthroughs, medical advances, or opportunities to save lives.

“As for you–you have talent, you work hard, and you already have a foundation to build on. Now I’m extending an olive branch. If you turn away from academia and become just another worker, you’ll be little more than an overqualified laborer, perhaps not even that.

–

“But if you channel your talent and effort into the right path, seize the opportunity I’m offering, you could become a lead researcher, a biologist, a young scholar or go further, joining the National Science Institute as a researcher, a professor, even an academician.

“Joli,” she concluded, her voice steady but pressing, “the choice is in front of you. Decide.”

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+25 BONUS

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Madison, who had been sitting quietly, was now staring at Miranda with wide, admiring

eyes.

She had always walked a structured path–school, grad school, research–until she met Miranda. It was Miranda who gave her direction, a sense of purpose, and a clear goal for her future.

Miranda was like a lighthouse, guiding the way, and sunlight, warming everyone who came near her. That had been true for Madison, for Sebastian, and now, for Joli.

After what felt like an eternity—maybe three seconds, maybe 30—Joli finally spoke.

“Alright. I’ll join.”

Miranda smiled and extended her hand. “Welcome to the team.‘

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Joli hesitated for a moment before taking it. His grip was light but resolute. “I’ll show you what I can achieve.”

“Hook forward to it,” she replied.

Madison clapped her hands together with an audible snap. “Great! From now on, we’re all comrades!”

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